Week 29 - Using Social Online Networks in Teaching or Professional Development
Jay and Johnson (2002) reflective model
Step 1 (Descriptive stage): Call me old school but I am slowly changing in order to use a more modern (social
media) style of teaching. As we know the world is changing so fast around us and to prepare our learners for
the future, I have had to step out of my comfort zone and teach using unfamiliar tools. My learners are using
google docs to type up their stories, record notes from inquiry and collaborate ideas with their peers. Google
docs allows my learners to share their work with me and I can even give feedback and feed-forward while
they are still working online. My learners definitely like using google docs more than their book and pencil,
but if I was to reflect on the outcome of work that is produced, most of my learners struggle to produce
quality work on google docs. I cannot give my learners a new tool to use and expect them to know how to
use it.
media) style of teaching. As we know the world is changing so fast around us and to prepare our learners for
the future, I have had to step out of my comfort zone and teach using unfamiliar tools. My learners are using
google docs to type up their stories, record notes from inquiry and collaborate ideas with their peers. Google
docs allows my learners to share their work with me and I can even give feedback and feed-forward while
they are still working online. My learners definitely like using google docs more than their book and pencil,
but if I was to reflect on the outcome of work that is produced, most of my learners struggle to produce
quality work on google docs. I cannot give my learners a new tool to use and expect them to know how to
use it.
Step 2 (Comparative stage): More and more classroom teachers are using Google docs in their classroom.
When I shared my innovation to start using Google docs with an older class, colleagues in my Mindlab class
made comment that they were surprised we weren’t already using it, knowing that we had Chromebooks
in our classrooms.
When I shared my innovation to start using Google docs with an older class, colleagues in my Mindlab class
made comment that they were surprised we weren’t already using it, knowing that we had Chromebooks
in our classrooms.
A recent teacher post by Keith Hamon, (January 25, 2017), talked about one of the advantages in using
Google Docs is its sharing feature. Students share their documents at the beginning of the writing process
so the teacher is able to follow all steps along the way. Work is saved all the time even when changes are
made. Teachers have the access to see the changes which keeps them in the loop of their students learning.
Google Docs is its sharing feature. Students share their documents at the beginning of the writing process
so the teacher is able to follow all steps along the way. Work is saved all the time even when changes are
made. Teachers have the access to see the changes which keeps them in the loop of their students learning.
For my students to be confident with using Google docs, I had to create and allow authentic opportunities
to take place in the classroom during their time on the devices. This included typing programmes and
collaborate activities online.
to take place in the classroom during their time on the devices. This included typing programmes and
collaborate activities online.
Step 3 (critical reflection): Like everything, there are pros and cons. Even though I personally don’t use
social media, my school was changing its use of social media and I had to keep up with it. We first started
using Google docs for school planning, some teachers found the sharing of their work very hard, where
others found it useful and the collaborative opportunities were a bonus.
social media, my school was changing its use of social media and I had to keep up with it. We first started
using Google docs for school planning, some teachers found the sharing of their work very hard, where
others found it useful and the collaborative opportunities were a bonus.
I don’t have the best programme in place for my students yet, in order to use Google docs, for I am still
learning myself the features of Google. However, I believe starting our young learners to use google apps,
such as google docs, slides, blogger, drive, calendar and so forth will build their confidence as digital users
moving up in their school years.
learning myself the features of Google. However, I believe starting our young learners to use google apps,
such as google docs, slides, blogger, drive, calendar and so forth will build their confidence as digital users
moving up in their school years.
References:
Anderson, M. (2013, September). Teacher Confidence In Using Technology. Retrieved from
https://ictevangelist.com/teacher-confidence-using-technology/
https://ictevangelist.com/teacher-confidence-using-technology/
Hamon, K. (2017). Teaching Writing with Google Docs. Retrieved from
https://www.fractuslearning.com/teaching-writing-google-docs/
https://www.fractuslearning.com/teaching-writing-google-docs/
Jay, J.K. and Johnson, K.L. (2002). Capturing complexity: a typology of reflective practice for teacher
education. Teaching and Teacher Education, 18, 73-85.
education. Teaching and Teacher Education, 18, 73-85.
MoE. (2014). Leadership and the key competencies. Retrieved from
http://nzcurriculum.tki.org.nz/Key-competencies/To…
http://nzcurriculum.tki.org.nz/Key-competencies/To…
Walsh, K. (2010). Google Docs: Why Teachers and Students Should Be Using Them. Retrieved from
https://www.emergingedtech.com/2010/11/google-docs-why-teachers-and-students-should-be-using-
them-for-course-work/
https://www.emergingedtech.com/2010/11/google-docs-why-teachers-and-students-should-be-using-
them-for-course-work/
Website: VLN - Virtual Learning Network
Wessling, S. (2012). Teaching Channel Getting Better Together - Google Docs in the Classroom. Retrieved from
https://www.teachingchannel.org/videos/fostering-student-collaboration
https://www.teachingchannel.org/videos/fostering-student-collaboration
YouTube Channel: Google (August 5, 2008). Teachers and Principals talk about Google Docs. Retrieved from
http://www.crlt.umich.edu/olws/2/docs
http://www.crlt.umich.edu/olws/2/docs
Malo le onosai Ange. E le'i fausia Roma ise aso e tasi. You are doing fantasic. As you said there are pros and cons and that's true. What a fantastic idea for students to share their learning through google doc provided that all can access internet at home.I like to head that way but not yet for I am sort of doubling it due to the unavailability of WIFI at home. My students find it much easier to use google doc so they worry too much about keeping their books up to the neatness as required. Plus it provides them huge support as it does tell them straight away spelling is incorrect. Also students of these days are computer savvy. They are the expert others whom I mostly refer to once I'm stuck they are extremely proud to assist in whatever way they can. It boosted up their self esteem. Remember "it doesn't matter how long the journey will be it always start with the first step then it goes on and on until you arrive safely. I was nervouse at the start of online blogging but I'm really enjoying it so much. It really helps me a lot in so many ways I doubted.
ReplyDeleteFa'amalosi toe ose aga ona taunuu lea ole folauga. Manuia tele isi galuega o totoe mo le Mind Lab
Hi Ange
ReplyDeleteGood points. I am also new to using Google Docs (well this year anyway). I am the learner and sometimes the students the teacher. I am slowly getting used to the whole set-up, but am finding benefits. I am tending to use Google Classroom a lot and am finding the quick feedback to students useful. Probably by the time I am fully used to all the benefits they will have brought out something else, oh well..such is life!!
Malo lava le onosai Angee, I am old school as well, technology is not my strength but thank God for Mindlab, it has opened up my eyes to so many tools/apps out there that we can use to enrich our children's learning. I have to say that I was into my traditional ways of teaching as I always though that they were effective but since joining this course, I have found out other ways to engage and motivate learners. Books and pencils are a bit out of date to this generation, but I still prefer using them...but then we have to adapt to suit our learners...anyway...malo le fa'amalosi. We are done...
ReplyDeleteThank you Ange for sharing your journey to date. As with all tools it's not til you actually start using them that you really see the benefits and pitfalls that they have. But with all tools the more functional they are for your need the more you will use it. As a user I have been involved with the google platform for 2 years now. The biggest thing for me is it's collaborative function. Clicking the share button has become so useful that if I have created something that I think my team might use then a simple click and there they have it, and vice versa. We can discuss it together and tweak it to suit and ideas are added that I may not have thought of. It's opened the door to see all the different ways that people are using it. Which is one of the benefits for our children. They love collaborative writing and with that sharing button you can track their progress. One of the many benefits there are, I'm sure you will find pitfalls as well but the problem solving behind holds great learning for you and your children. Thank you again for sharing and your honesty!
ReplyDeleteOh My Life Ange you and I are so related. Since doing MindLab my kids love using technology! It helps knowing their teacher is becoming more ofay with technology. I love the fact that up the year 6 end of our school students are using Hapara and being in the Senior Leadership I can see the difference this has made with student independence. Good on you for being honest and becoming a successful 21st century teacher. Ka pai!
ReplyDeleteThank you everyone for your comments. I am glad to hear I am not the only one riding the waka of technology into the unknown. MindLab has definitely taught me a few things about myself and how I approach the use of technology as well as changing my mindsets about things that I am not familiar with or willing to do myself.
ReplyDeleteAs it has been mentioned there are pros and cons to everything we do, and I am keen to take up the pros and start there.
I find it interesting Ange that you say your learners struggle to produce quality work using Google docs. I wonder why? I remember when Google docs was introduced and it soon became clear who the different groups were upon implementation. We had the innovators who were driven and the early adopters etc. I attended a google conference and this was the easiest way to become a confident googler for me. It was clear the benefits google had to offer especially the collaborative docs that can be shared among staff and students and even teachers to students and vice versa. Giving feedback digitally was inspiring. I have to say, the novelty wore off somewhat and I resorted back to pen and paper more and more. I think the reason behind this was that Google had so much to offer. The apps and extensions were endless. When I saw what other classes were doing, I though boy I have a long way to go if I am going to be a digitally savvy teacher. Now that I am reflecting through this blog, it is clear my fixed mindset is playing a role. Experience, taking a risk and maintenance are key.
ReplyDeleteHi Ange,
ReplyDeleteI like the way you were honest about not knowing enough about Google features and that you are still learning along with your children-(me and you both) At the moment, I am teaching new entrants and since doing Mindlab, it has opened up my eyes to a whole new level of what we can do as educators for our learners in regards to digital technology. I am so excited for next year, as I will be teaching Year 3 students, and my mind is about to explode with all the ideas I have planned for them, including using Google apps. I was once afraid of using digital technology and tried to avoid it as much as possible, when I could but now...I can't wait for what lies ahead. I wish you all the best in your digital learning and I believe that we can only learn if we take risks too! P.S. Social Media CAN be a good thing too!
I must apologise Sarah, for I should have said 'quantity' not 'quality.' One thing I caught on quickly with my learners using Google docs. was that when the red squiggly line appeared while they were typing, a lot of time was used trying to fix the error that the spell checker pointed out to them and it was like they couldn't move on until the red squiggly line disappeared. You also know very quickly learners who have not mastered the difference between lower case letters and capitals. Typing was another factor for it completely slowed down the writing (typing) process. I actually signed my learners up to the Typesy programme which has helped heaps in building their confidence to type.
ReplyDeleteCongrats Faye on the Year 3 class for 2019, now you can definitely use your new learning to begin another chapter of school life and I'll just leave the social media thing to you for now ;)